SHAWANO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The Shawano airport celebrated its grand reopening Sunday.
The airport recently rehabilitated its primary runway and taxiway.
City leaders tells FOX 11 they hope the $2.3 million investment brings more visitors and more businesses to the area.
“We’re hoping to attract people to want to come to the community, maybe stay for the weekend, use our restaurants, our hotels, rent a pontoon, we’ve got ATVs going on all around the county and the city here,” Shawano Mayor and airport commissioner Bruce Milavitz said.
Milavitz says FAA, state, and local funds were used to finance the renovations.
The event offered multiple aviation activities, as well as a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Shawano resident Michelle Gishkowsky took part in the event’s learn to fly experience.
“I flew the plane for about 20 seconds because it was very turbulent,” Gishkowsky said.
Even with her fear of heights, Gishkowsky tells FOX 11 her experience was unlike any other.
“It was really cool to get up in a space where, especially over a community that you live in, to see it in a different way.”
Kids were able to fly free through the EAA Young Eagles Flights as well.
“We flew over the lake and then we flew into town and we went over the speedway,” 12-year-old Jensen said.
“To introduce them to flying and to the aviation community. They could become your future pilots,” Young Eagles pilot John Mondus said.
In addition to the airport’s runway and taxiway renovations, the airport recently constructed a new terminal as well.
That project had a price tag of $850,000.
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